Stargate Universe Adds Four

SCI FI Channel has announced Justin Louis, David Blue, Brian J. Smith and Jamil Walker Smith will join the cast of the highly anticipated new original series “Stargate Universe.” The four will enlist alongside Robert Carlyle (Dr. Nicholas Rush) in the latest adventure in the “Stargate” franchise produced by MGM television. Production will begin in Vancouver in February 2009 with an eye toward a fall ’09 premiere.

Edgier and younger in tone than the two previous series, “SGU” follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians, who must fend for themselves as they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base comes under attack. The desperate survivors emerge aboard an ancient ship, which is locked on an unknown course and unable to return to Earth.

Justin Louis (“Hidden Hills,” “The Fighting Fitzgeralds”) will portray Colonel Everett Young, an experienced Stargate team leader. Married, with years of tough decisions under his belt, life has taught him never to take anything for granted. He stays on top of his team so they stay alive.

David Blue (“Ugly Betty,” “Moonlight”) stars as Eli Wallace, a total slacker, who just happens to be an utter genius with anything he puts his mind to – mathematics, computers, video games. A lack of confidence has left him with an acerbic sense of humor.

Brian J. Smith (The War Boys, Hate Crime) is Lt. Matthew Scott, a junior member of the Stargate team. Green and rough around the edges, he is thrust into the role of leader well before he’s ready for the responsibility and must learn to command, earn respect through action, and manage the diverse personalities aboard the ship.

Jamil Walker Smith (“Waynehead,” “Sister, Sister”) will portray Sr. Sgt. Ronald Greer, a Marine with a temper you don’t want to mess with. His past is mysterious but it’s clear something dark formed the hard shell around him.

Brad Wright and Robert Cooper, of “Stargate SG-1” and “Stargate Atlantis,” will serve as executive producers and writers on the new series.

“Stargate Universe” will debut as a two-hour movie event on SCI FI and will be distributed by MGM Worldwide Television Distribution.